JP5023098B2 - Energy impulse generator for profiling systems - Google Patents

Description

Reference to related applications

  This application claims the benefit of priority under Canadian Patent Application No. 2,366,030 filed on December 20, 2001, under Section 119 of the US Patent Act, the disclosure of which is as if it were in its entirety As incorporated herein.

  The present invention relates to the field of non-penetrating inspection of media located below the surface. More particularly, the present invention relates to an intelligent profiling system that allows the mechanical characterization of subsurface media.

  For example, in the field of geophysical exploration, non-intrusive technologies have been explored and developed as a supplement or alternative to conventional field inspection techniques, including boring, because these technologies are non-destructive. In some cases where boring is not feasible, for example in granular soil, such non-intrusive techniques are the only way to explore the underground. They are also generally more cost effective.

  Non-intrusive technology can also be used to explore subsurface media in a variety of other areas, for example to assess the wear conditions of roads, bridges, building rebar joints, concrete walls, etc., or in the mining or military fields Also used to detect subsurface pockets.

  Interestingly, surface waves and especially Rayleigh waves are very useful in the field of non-penetrating inspection. One method known in the art is surface wave spectral analysis ("SASW"), which utilizes surface waves to determine, for example, underground shear rate profiles without penetration. The method includes a pair of sensors, at least one impulse source, and a signal processing system.

  Such a technique using surface waves, for example in the case of the SASW, allows exploration of a wide range of soil thicknesses by changing the distance between the two sensors and by using different impulse sources. However, its operation generally requires treatment by highly skilled workers skilled in the field to obtain useful information about the subsurface media under investigation.

  Thus, despite efforts in the field, surfaces with sensors, impulse generators, and user-computation interfaces that can collect, analyze and process data for display and use by non-experts There remains a need for a system that enables profiling of the underlying media.

  Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved profiling system.

  In one embodiment, the present invention includes a profiling system for achieving subsurface media characterization. The profiling system includes a number of system elements that exchange messages over a communication interface. System elements include an energy impulse generator, a sensing assembly, and a user-computing interface. The generator for transmitting energy pulses to the surface includes generator communication means for exchanging messages with other system elements. The sensing assembly includes a sensor. Each of the sensors includes an accelerometer for detecting surface acceleration resulting from the energy pulse and generating a signal representative of the acceleration. Each of the sensors also includes interface communication means for transmitting a signal representative of acceleration via the communication interface and exchanging messages with other system elements. The user-computing interface includes interface communication means for receiving signals representative of acceleration via the communication interface and exchanging messages with other system elements. The user-computing interface also includes an interface processor for processing the received signal representative of the acceleration to generate a subsurface media characterization.

  In another embodiment, the invention relates to a sensor for detecting acceleration at a surface. The sensor exchanges messages with the computing means via the communication interface. The sensor includes an accelerometer for outputting a signal representing acceleration and an interface unit including a transmission circuit. The interface unit receives a signal representative of acceleration and modulates it for transmission to the computing means.

  In another embodiment, the invention relates to a sensor for detecting acceleration at a surface. The sensor exchanges messages with the computing means via the communication interface. The sensor includes a substrate with an accelerometer for outputting a signal representative of acceleration. The sensor further includes a mass attached to the substrate. The mass moves in response to acceleration. The sensor also includes an interface unit as described herein.

  In one of its embodiments, the present invention relates to an energy impulse generator for transmitting energy pulses to a surface. The generator exchanges messages with computing means via a communication interface. The generator includes a housing. The generator further includes an impact assembly movably mounted within the housing between at least a stationary position, a latched position, and an impact position. At the impact location, the impact assembly transmits energy pulses to the surface. The generator also includes energy storage means attached to the impact assembly. In the latched position, the energy storage means releases a specified amount of energy to the impact assembly such that after the specified amount of energy is released, the impact assembly moves from the latched position to the impact position and then returns to the rest position. Can do. The computing means controls the release of a specified amount of energy to the impact assembly.

1 is a schematic diagram of a profiling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the displacement sensor used for the profiling system of FIG. It is a top view of the displacement sensor of FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. It is a top view of the board | substrate of the displacement sensor of FIG. FIG. 6 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the displacement sensor of FIG. 5. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an energy impact generator used in the profiling system of FIG. 1. It is a block diagram of the sensor concerning another embodiment of the present invention.

  In general, the system of the present invention allows non-intrusive physical analysis of the mechanical properties of media located below the surface and display of the results.

  Such media separated from direct surface exploration can be underground, concrete wall thickness, reinforced joint thickness, and the like. For purposes of illustration, the invention will be described using an embodiment dealing with geophysical examination. Therefore, in the following, the investigated medium is the underground subsurface area through its surface.

  More precisely, the system of the present invention utilizes a sensor that detects the velocity of the shear wave induced in the subsurface area to be examined by the excitation generated by the impulse generator.

  A system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings.

  Basically, the system 10 includes three units or system elements: a sensing assembly 12, an energy impulse generator 14 (hereinafter referred to as EIG), and a user-computing interface 16 (hereinafter referred to as UCI).

  As can be seen from FIG. 1, the sensing assembly 12 includes displacement sensors 18 disposed at various locations on the surface 20. The sensing assembly 12 includes a plurality of sensors 18 that are arranged sequentially at various locations. In a particular embodiment of the system 10 according to the present invention, the sensing assembly 12 includes four sensors 18, although the number of sensors can be set in other ways. The role of the sensor 18 is to detect displacement in response to a burst of impact generated on the surface 20 by the energy impulse generator 14.

  Each of the displacement sensors 18 of the sensing assembly 12 and the energy impulse generator 14 are connected to the user-computing interface 16 by a communication interface 21. Many different techniques can be used to interconnect the sensor 18 to the user-computing interface 16. For example, the communication interface 21 may include an optical fiber cable, a coaxial cable, a multi-core cable, an optical link, and an RF link indicated by reference numeral 22 in FIG. Alternatively, multiplexing means may be employed as the communication interface 21. The communication interface 21 is used to relay messages including instructions and / or data between system elements.

  As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the sensor 18 is protected within the housing. The housing includes a plate 27 and a casing 24 that are closed by an upper lid 25. Since the surface 20 is not too hard, the displacement sensor 18 can be attached to the surface 20 by screws mounted on the plate 27 and a casing 24 can be inserted over it and secured by the edge 28 of the plate 27 ( See FIG. 2a). Alternatively, if the surface 20 is too hard, the plate 27 can be secured to it by an adhesive 29 or simply by placing it on the surface 20 (see FIG. 2b).

  The casing 24 includes a communication connector 30 (see FIG. 3) for connecting to the user-computation interface 16 through a connection line 22 (see FIG. 1) of the communication interface 21.

  The top lid 25 also supports a shock absorbing element 32 and a damping element 34 disposed symmetrically with respect to the shock absorbing element 32 'and the damping element 34' attached to the casing 24, and optionally a communication antenna. Note that it also supports 36 or optical diffusers (not shown).

  The semiconductor substrate 42 is protected in the casing 24 as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. Mass 38 is supported within opening 40 of semiconductor substrate 42 that supports strain gauge 44 and resistors 46 and 48 (shown in FIG. 5). Mass 38 moves in response to acceleration. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the movement of the mass 38 induced by shear waves generated in the subsurface region below the surface 20 causes the semiconductor substrate 42 to be distorted.

  The semiconductor substrate 42 and the elements it supports (mass 38, strain gauge 44, resistor 46, etc.) can be broadly referred to as an accelerometer or accelerometer assembly or unit. An accelerometer can be broadly defined as a device whose response is linearly proportional to the acceleration of a substance (eg, a surface in this case) in contact with it. The accelerometer or sensor 18 need not be in direct contact with the surface. Contact via other intermediate elements or media is also possible.

  As shown in FIG. 6, a circuit equivalent to the displacement sensor 18 includes four strain gauges 44 and two resistors 46 to form a Wheatstone bridge. One diagonal point of the bridge is connected to the DC voltage source 50, and the other diagonal point of the bridge serves as an output of the distortion detection circuit and is connected to the amplifying device 52. As will be described later, the strain gauge 44 is used as a transducer for converting mechanical deformation of the semiconductor substrate 42 into an electrical signal (or other type of information support signal). The resistor 48 is used for calibration purposes, as will be described later.

  The strain gauge 44 is used to record the movement of the subsurface area to be inspected that is transmitted to the displacement sensor 18 by the mass 38. They are temperature compensated by the match resistor 46. The high symmetry of the sensing circuit of FIG. 5 also contributes to temperature compensation by allowing the Wheatstone bridge to be balanced over a wide range of temperatures.

  The strain gauge 44 can be fixed to the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate 42 by directly etching the material deposited on the substrate 42. Direct etching of the semiconductor substrate 42 by techniques known in the art assures complete placement of the strain gauge 44, with minimal temperature mismatch and thus minimal stress concentration, and thus a very sensitive displacement sensor 18. Can be manufactured.

  The displacement sensor 18 further includes an interface board 53 (also referred to herein as an interface unit) shown in FIG. 4, which supports the necessary communication circuits connected to the communication connector 30 and / or the antenna 36. One of the communication circuits serves to modulate a signal representing surface acceleration (eg, obtained from a Wheatstone bridge). Modulation includes any transformation of the signal to prepare for transmission via the communication interface 21. As shown in FIG. 6, the displacement sensor 18 may further include an A / D converter 47, a transmission circuit 49 (also referred to as sensor communication means), and a control circuit 57. The control circuit 57 is used for power management to adjust the amplification level of the amplification device 52 and its offset during calibration to a preset value. Frequency filtering means (not shown) and compensation and linearization means (not shown) may be added to the substrate 42 to change the signal from the Wheatstone bridge. In an embodiment of the present invention, the substrate 42 also includes memory means and a processor (both not shown in FIGS. 2-6). The control device 57 can also set the dynamic range of the AD converter 47.

  Needless to say, the type of circuit depends in part on the type of communication 22 of the communication interface 21 between the displacement sensor 18 and the user-computation interface 16.

  Electric power is supplied to the displacement sensor 18 from the outside or from the inside by an integrated power supply 54 such as a battery disposed under the semiconductor substrate 42 (see FIG. 4). Such a battery can be placed anywhere convenient within the casing or in a special casing outside the casing 24. In another embodiment of the present invention, power may be supplied to the sensor 18 from the outside by a high frequency signal.

  As described above in connection with FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, each displacement sensor 18 may simply be placed on the surface 20, fixed to the bottom with an adhesive 29 (FIG. 2 b), or fixed with a screw 26. Yes (Figure 2a).

  The damping element 34 attached to the top lid 25 and the corresponding damping element 34 'attached to the casing 24 can be made from an elastic or gel-like material. By ensuring constant absorption of energy over a wide range of temperatures and assuming that they are made from materials that are resistant to fatigue, such as neoprene or silicone, they optimize the attenuation rate and Maximize quality.

  In fact, the performance of the displacement sensor 18 evaluated with respect to amplitude and phase distortion depends mainly on the magnification and attenuation rate of the device.

  The shock absorbing pads 32 and 32 'are effective to protect the displacement sensor 18 from excessive shock, for example during handling.

  In order to seal the displacement sensor 18 and protect it from harmful environments, a thermoplastic, elastic, sealing material or rubber joint 55 is provided between the lid 25 and the casing 24 (see FIG. 4).

  The displacement sensor 18 of the present invention includes a semiconductor substrate with an integrated strain gauge 44, amplification means 52, and control circuit 57 to reduce noise to signal ratio and thus signal contamination during transmission to the UIC 16. Can do. If necessary, when the displacement sensor 18 includes the AD inverter 47, the noise-to-signal ratio during transmission is further reduced.

  In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that the use of the semiconductor strain gauge 44 can achieve better gains obtained by using conventional foil strain gauges.

  Also, the use of the mass 38 contributes to increasing the sensitivity of the strain gauge assembly, i.e. the measurement capability.

  As is generally known in the art, the displacement sensor 18 according to the present disclosure operates as follows. When power is supplied to the circuit in the absence of acceleration, the substrate 42 does not distort and the resistance of the strain gauge 44 is maintained at its original level, so the circuit output signal is zero. When acceleration occurs, an external force is applied to the mass 38, thereby causing the substrate 42 to be deformed. As a result, the substrate 42 is bent and the strain gauge 44 is deformed, resulting in a change in the electric resistance value of the resistance element. This deformation changes the nominal resistance of the strain gauge 44, breaks the equilibrium of the Wheatstone bridge and generates the voltage output of the circuit. Those skilled in the art will understand that by analyzing this output voltage, characterization of the subsurface area to be inspected can be obtained.

  The energy impulse generator 14 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The energy impulse generator 14 includes a spring 60 that is set in compression by the motor assembly 62 to store energy and draw the impact head assembly 64 through the latch 66. The impact head assembly 64 is released by activating a solenoid 68 that pulls the latch 66, thereby unlocking the impact head assembly 64 and allowing the spring 60 to extend.

  The power source of the spring 60 is illustrated as a motor assembly 62 in this embodiment, but it will be apparent that it can be a pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, or mechanical source.

  The spring 60 opposes the inertia of the impact head assembly 64, applies an impact at the time of impact, and is also used as a means for preventing the impact head assembly 64 from rebounding after impact.

  For example, a strain gauge circuit 63 (also referred to as a strain measuring device in a broader sense) disposed in the latch 66 or an accelerometer 67 disposed in the impact head assembly 64 is compared with the energy command transmitted by the UCI 16 to the control circuit of the EIG 14. Is used to monitor the energy stored in the spring 60.

  A shock absorber 72 is provided to absorb shocks that occur while the energy impulse generator 14 transmits a burst of energy due to the impact of the impact head assembly 64 on the element under analysis.

  A control circuit (not shown) makes it possible to monitor the amount of energy generation and the overall operation of the EIG 14. The EIG 14 may also include other circuitry (not shown) such as a processor and memory means for operating and managing the EIG 14. The memory means includes various types of memory such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM) and the like. The RAM is used for data storage during calculations and for timestamp recording (transmitted or relayed from the processor 84 or sensor unit). The ROM includes an initialization code, a startup sequence, and the like. The EEPROM can include arithmetic algorithms, tables, sensor identification, and the like. The EEPROM data can be received via the communication interface 21.

  The power pack 65 is provided to hold the battery, but increases the overall weight of the EIG 14. The power pack 65 can include a rechargeable battery. The battery can be recharged in a contact or contactless manner (eg, via RF). Power supply by direct cable feeding is also possible as an option.

  The EIG 14 is basically the same as that used for the screw 26 or the displacement sensor 18, and is fixed to the surface 20 using attachment means described later. Other examples of attachment means include weights, magnetic bodies, adhesives, “ram sets” or explosive driven fixation means, and these attachment means may be used for the sensor 18.

  Energy for activating the above process of shock generation is released after receiving a command transmitted from the user-computing interface 16 (UCI) to the EIG 14 via a cable, an optical signal, or a high frequency signal. This command triggers the loading and unloading of the mechanism and the delivery of energy pulses by the EIG 14.

  The user-computation interface (UCI) 16 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a number of subsystems: a user interface system including a keyboard, power and function keys, a display screen and / or a touch screen and / or a voice recognition device, and a printer ( An instrument interface that allows connection to other output devices (not shown), an interface system with the EIG, a signal acquisition system for collecting data from the displacement sensor 18 of the sensing assembly 12, and various calculations A processing system that manages various interfaces together and a computer interface system that allows connection to other computers.

  Of course, the UCI 16 stores a program or algorithm that can control, for example, the energy impulse generator 14 and the displacement sensor 18 and collect and store data from the displacement sensor 18 of the sensing assembly 12. In addition, the program can analyze the collected data to calculate and display some properties or characteristics of the subsurface media.

  Each of the various assemblies operates independently or is powered by a central device.

  Most interesting is that, given the programs and software stored in UCI 16, the system of the present invention can be used in a variety of applications.

  For example, in the field of soil testing, mining can use the system of the present invention to detect underground pockets or faults. As a further example, the system of the present invention can be used in the military field to investigate the geological structure of terrain for the purpose of effective blast location or discovery of underground bunker. The system of the present invention can be used to supply data to a system such as the so-called JTIDS ("Integrated Tactical Information Distribution System").

  In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art would be able to anticipate the possibility of adding a GPS or gyroscope system to position each displacement sensor 18 and EIG 14 of the sensing assembly 12. One possible application relates to the identification of underground cavities and the determination of their spatial coordinates. Through the use of the Global Positioning System (GPS), an algorithm can be introduced into UCI 16 that maps locations that can be used for hideouts, facilities, etc. hidden underground. Especially in military applications, the algorithm can also detect structural flaws so that the strategic distribution of payload can be planned accordingly to maximize damage to cavities or hidden areas underground .

  Given that a suitable algorithm is included in UCI 16, another area of possible application where system 10 of the present invention can be used is to take advantage of the characteristics of low frequency shear waves propagating over long distances or large depths. It is a communication field. Such a specific user-computing interface 16 can perform unidirectional or bidirectional communication to detect, identify and locate the ground surface displacement. In this type of application, the system 10 uses an electromechanical device as a transmitter that induces various frequencies of energy in the ground, resulting in the generation of terrestrial waves. High-frequency waves travel only for short distances, but low-frequency shear waves propagate deeper in the ground and over longer distances, so the communication signal consists of an energy signal whose frequency and relative amplitude are modulated. Start, send, and end the protocol. Due to the various reflections caused by the complex geophysical environment, the transmitted signal is scrambled in the time and frequency domains along the way. The sensing assembly 12 used at the receiving end, along with the UCI 16, unscrambles this signal to reconstruct the frequency domain and its variation over time. The high frequency component is used as a means for reliably locating the signal source.

  In addition, the distribution arrangement of the displacement sensor 18 allows triangulation of the position of a radiator or signal source generated by an army, a moving vehicle, or a ground impact. Reconstructing the input signal, UCI 16 can process a pattern recognition database to verify the signature and identify the signal source.

  FIG. 8 shows a sensor 80 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The sensor 80 includes an accelerometer 88 and the response therefrom is related to the acceleration of the surface 20 with which the sensor 80 is in contact. The accelerometer 88 can include a strain gauge, a capacitor, or a piezoelectric element. The accelerometer 88 can be a conventional accelerometer, but other technologies such as microelectromechanical devices (MEMS) or nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) can also be utilized.

  A signal representing the acceleration generated by the accelerometer 88 (electrical or other equivalent message-carrying signal) is sent to the amplifier 90. In the illustrated embodiment, amplifier 90 is an automatic gain amplifier. The amplifier 90 serves to increase the dynamic range of the sensor 80. The gain of amplifier 90 is transmitted to processor 84, which in turn processes the signal sent by RF communication circuit 102.

  After amplifier 90, the signal is sent to low pass filter 92. Low pass filter 92 removes frequency domain spectral aliasing and time domain distortion. Sample and hold device 94 then receives the signal, samples it, and holds it for a time sufficient for AD converter 96 to convert the analog signal to a digital signal.

  A second set of accelerometers (not shown), an amplifier (not shown), and a low pass filter (not shown) are added in parallel with the first set to provide a signal to the sample and hold device 94. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this may be done. The sensor 80 serves as a sample accelerometer. When the second accelerometer is placed so as to pick up the acceleration at an axis perpendicular to the axis of the accelerometer 88, the sensor 80 becomes an inclinometer. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, sensor 80 includes a third set of accelerometers (not shown), an amplifier (not shown), and a low pass filter in parallel with the first and second sets. (Not shown) may be added to supply a signal to the sample and hold device 94. When the third accelerometer is positioned to pick up acceleration at an axis perpendicular to the axes of both accelerometer 88 and second accelerometer, sensor 80 becomes a gyroscope.

  Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the velocity can be calculated by time integrating the signal representing the acceleration output by the accelerometer 88. The distance can also be calculated by integrating the speed over time. These calculations can be performed by the processor 84.

  Returning to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the signal from the A-D converter 96 is sent to a low pass filter 98 which removes unwanted frequencies. The low pass filter 98 can also be incorporated in the A-D converter 96. In order to remove distortion (amplitude or phase), the signal is then compensated and linearized by the compensation and linearizer 100. Compensation and linearizer 100 linearizes the signal to ensure uniform performance with respect to frequency components, and linearizer 100 also broadens the frequency spectrum of the signal.

  The signal is finally sent to the communication circuit 102. The communication circuit 102 sends and receives messages including instructions and / or data to the UCI 16 or other sensors 80 (not shown) in the sensing assembly 12 similar to the sensing assembly 12 via the communication interface 21. Typical instructions include reset, initialization, download, new algorithm, linearization, compensation and identification parameters (transmit or download), calibration, transmit mode (eg direct, network), start sampling, energy saving, etc. . During network mode, the communication protocol establishes an optimal path for transferring data from sensor to sensor and ultimately to UCI 16. Sensor 80 can therefore act as a data relay. The communication circuit 102 can be protected from electromagnetic interference. In an embodiment of the invention, each sensor 80 has its own Internet Protocol (IP) address and is addressed accordingly.

  The sensor 80 also includes a processor 84 that activates the sensor 80 and performs its management. Sensor 80 includes memory means 86. Memory means 86 includes various types of memory such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmer ROM (EEPROM), and the like. The RAM is used for data storage during calculations and for time stamp recording (transmitted or relayed from the processor 84 or another sensor 80). The ROM includes an initialization code, a startup sequence, and the like. The EEPROM can include arithmetic algorithms, tables, sensor identification, and the like. The EEPROM data can be received via the communication interface 21.

  Power to the sensor 80 is provided by a power source 82. The power source 82 can include a rechargeable battery. The battery can be recharged in a contact or contactless (eg, via RF) manner. Power supply by direct cable feeding is also possible as an option.

  Optionally, sensor 80 may also include a positioning circuit (not shown) such as an electronic gyroscope or a global positioning system (GPS) receiver.

  In an embodiment of the invention, the housing 104 includes three parts. The housing 104 is sealed to protect all its components from external elements. The first portion 106 holds a battery and a power conditioning circuit. The second part 108 holds not only the elements 84 to 100 but also the positioning circuit (not shown). The third part 110 holds the communication circuit 102. The surface of portion 110 is electrically conductive, thereby providing an electromagnetic barrier that protects communication circuit 102 from electromagnetic interference (EMI).

  Although the invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, the invention can be modified without departing from the spirit and nature of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (26)

An energy impulse generator for transmitting energy pulses to a surface, wherein the generator exchanges messages with computing means via a communication interface, the generator comprising:
A housing;
An impact assembly movably mounted between at least a stationary position, a latch position, and an impact position within the housing, wherein the impact assembly is configured to transmit the energy pulse to the surface at the impact position. Impact assembly;
Energy storage means attached to the impact assembly, whereby the energy storage means releases a specified amount of energy to the impact assembly at the latched position, after the specified amount of energy is released. Energy storage means configured to move the impact assembly from the latched position to the impact position and then return to the rest position;
A release mechanism mounted within the housing for releasably latching the impact assembly under control of the computing means;
Including
The computing means controlling the release of energy of the specified amount to the impact assembly,
The release mechanism further includes a latch in contact with the impact assembly and movable between a latched position and an unlatched position;
An energy impulse generator, wherein the latch further comprises at least one of a strain measuring device and an accelerometer for monitoring energy stored in the energy storage means .   The generator of claim 1, further comprising a power supply mounted within the housing and providing the specified amount of energy to the energy storage means.   The generator of claim 2, wherein the computing means controls the power supply, thereby controlling the specified amount of energy.   The generator of claim 3, wherein the power supply includes a motor assembly.   The generator of claim 4, wherein the motor assembly includes at least one of a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic motor, an electric motor, and a mechanical motor. The generator of claim 1, wherein the release mechanism further comprises a solenoid attached to the latch to control movement of the latch . The generator of claim 1 , wherein the energy storage means includes biasing means . The generator of claim 7, wherein the biasing means comprises a spring . The generator of claim 8 , wherein the impact assembly includes an impact head mounted on a main shaft member, and wherein the spring is mounted between the impact head and the housing . The generator of claim 1 , further comprising attachment means attached to the housing for attaching the generator to the surface . The generator according to claim 10, wherein the attachment means includes at least one of a screw, an adhesive, a weight, a magnetic body device, and an explosive drive type fixing means . The shock assembly including an impact head mounted on the main shaft, generator of claim 1. The generator of claim 1, further comprising generator communication means mounted in the housing for exchanging messages with the computing means via the communication interface . The generator of claim 13, wherein the communication means comprises at least one of an antenna and an optical transducer . The generator of claim 14 , wherein the housing includes a conductive surface for substantially shielding the communication means from electromagnetic interference . The generator of claim 1, further comprising a control circuit mounted within the housing to monitor the actual amount of energy released by the energy storage means . 4. The generator of claim 3 , further comprising a release mechanism mounted within the housing for releasably latching the impact assembly under control of the computing means . The generator of claim 17, further comprising a processor connected to at least one of the power supply and the release mechanism to control and manage them . The generator of claim 18 , wherein the release mechanism further comprises a strain measurement device for monitoring the energy stored in the energy storage means . 20. The generator of claim 19 , further comprising memory means connected to the processor for storing at least one of instructions for sampling of energy stored in the energy storage means and operation of the processor . . The generator of claim 20, wherein the memory stores a unique identifier of the generator. 19. The generator of claim 18 , further comprising memory means connected to the processor for storing at least one of an instruction for sampling of energy stored in the energy storage means and operation of the processor . . 23. The generator of claim 22, wherein the memory stores a unique identifier for the generator. The generator you are communicating with another device, generator of claim 23. The generator of claim 18 , further comprising a positioning circuit connected to the processor means . 26. The generator of claim 25, wherein the positioning circuit includes at least one of a gyroscope and a global positioning system .

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